Easy Tortilla Soup Recipe for a Cozy Dinner Night
Welcome to my kitchen where I’m excited to share with you my recipe for Pastor Tom’s Tortilla Soup! If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine and crave a warm, hearty soup that’s bursting with flavor, then look no further than this recipe.
I first discovered this soup at a local restaurant years ago and was instantly hooked. After several attempts of trying to recreate it at home, I finally landed on the perfect combination of ingredients that make this dish absolutely irresistible.
This soup is a staple in my household and has become one of my go-to meals for feeding guests or just enjoying a satisfying dinner on a chilly night. It’s perfect for any occasion — from cozying up with a bowl on a full moon evening to serving as an appetizer at your next dinner party.
So, let’s dive into the ingredients and learn how to make this authentic tortilla soup that is sure to impress your taste buds and become one of your favorite soup recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a dish that’s packed with flavor, but won’t take you all day to make? Look no further than Pastor Tom’s Tortilla Soup Recipe!
This delicious soup is a staple in Mexican cuisine and is perfect for any occasion. It features tender shredded chicken, juicy tomatoes, and zesty cilantro that are cooked to perfection in rich and savory chicken broth. But what makes Pastor Tom’s Tortilla Soup Recipe truly stand out are the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce that give it that spicy kick which will make your taste buds dance.
Not only is this soup recipe bursting with bold flavors, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can add toasted tortilla strips or crunchy tortilla chips as a garnish for added texture and flavor. And if you’re in the mood for something creamy, you can add dollops of sour cream on top.
Alongside other great Mexican dishes like enchilada soup and taco soup, this chicken tortilla soup is not only perfect as a main course for lunch or dinner, but it can also be served as an appetizer to compliment other dishes.
Trust me when I say this: once you’ve tried Pastor Tom’s Tortilla Soup Recipe, it’ll become one of your go-to meals whenever you want an authentic Mexican experience right at home.
Ingredient List
If you want to achieve an authentic tortilla soup, then you should opt for the freshest and finest ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Soup:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 medium onion, cut into small pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons snipped cilantro
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
For the Garnish:
- Shredded cooked chicken
- Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- Tortilla chips, crumbled or cut into small pieces
- Sour cream
- Cilantro, chopped
The ingredients above are enough to make a delicious soup for four to six people. However, feel free to adjust the recipe according to your preference. You can add more vegetables such as bell pepper or corn, or you can use different types of meat like pork or beef. Just make sure that you have the key components so that you still get that signature Mexican taste.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into how to bring this recipe together.
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until it becomes browned. Remove from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add onions, garlic and sauté until onions become translucent.
Step 3: Add Broth and Tomatoes
Pour chicken broth and diced tomatoes into the pot with vegetables. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Blend Soup
Using an immersion blender or transferring the soup to a blender, blend soup until smooth.
Step 5: Add Seasonings
Stir in adobo sauce, minced chipotle chile, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Step 6: Add Chicken back in
Shred the cooked chicken using two forks or your hands then add it back to the pot with soup.
Garnish and serve
Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, sour creamand crispy tortilla strips to taste. Serve hot with extra tortilla chips on the side if desired.
This recipe is perfect for those who are looking for an authentic Mexican cuisine burrito flavor at home. The savory flavor of shredded chicken combined with spicy chipotle peppers guarantees a satisfying meal anytime you crave for a warm bowl of soup.
Substitutions and Variations
Tortilla soup is a classic Mexican dish that is packed with flavor and can be customized to suit anyone’s preferences. Here are some easy substitutions and variations you can make to this recipe:
– Vegetarian: This recipe calls for chicken broth and shredded chicken, but you can easily make it vegetarian by swapping the chicken broth for vegetable broth and leaving out the shredded chicken. For extra protein, you can also add some cooked black beans or tofu.
– Spicier: If you like your food with a bit of heat, consider adding more chipotle chiles in adobo sauce or substituting them with ancho chili powder. You could also top each bowl with some sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
– Creamier: If you want to add some creaminess to your soup, consider stirring in a dollop of sour cream after it’s done cooking. You could also stir in some avocado for an extra dose of healthy fats.
– Cheesier: To make your soup extra cheesy, consider swapping out the monterey jack cheese for something stronger like cheddar or pepper jack. You could also top each bowl with some additional shredded cheese and broil it for a minute or two until melted and bubbly.
– Crunchier: To get that satisfying crunch, top each bowl of soup with tortilla strips or chips, crumbled queso fresco, or diced fresh veggies like red onion or bell pepper. Alternatively, you could serve the soup over a bed of tortilla chips for an authentic touch.
– Soup-Taco Hybrid: For a fun twist on this classic recipe, consider turning it into a soup-taco hybrid by serving it in a crispy taco shell instead of a bowl. You could also add some additional taco toppings like guacamole, pico de gallo, and shredded lettuce.
With these simple substitutions and variations, you can tailor this classic tortilla soup recipe to your taste preferences and keep things exciting in the kitchen!
Serving and Pairing
Pastor Tom’s Tortilla Soup Recipe is a hearty, spicy chicken soup with chunks of juicy tomatoes, onions and garlic, and a smoky kick of chipotle chile in adobo sauce. This authentic tortilla soup is perfect on its own, but toppings such as tortilla chips, Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream and snipped cilantro are highly encouraged.
One thing that makes this recipe truly enjoyable is its versatility. Serve it alongside a colorful salad for a light lunch or dinner, or pair it with some freshly baked cornbread for an even heartier meal. The combination of the soup’s spicy flavors with the sweetness of the cornbread creates a perfect balance of flavors.
For an evening gathering or a Super Bowl party, serve the soup in warm mugs or bowls with chili powder-dusted tortilla strips on the side for guests to dip in their soup. It pairs well with full-bodied wines like Rioja or Malbec, but it also works beautifully with beer, such as Mexican lagers or pilsners.
This delicious chicken tortilla soup can also be served as part of a complete Mexican-themed meal alongside dishes like beef enchiladas or tacos al pastor. Bold flavors and vibrant colors characterise Mexican cuisine and this recipe is no exception. Its bold flavor makes it a great pair to most of the dishes from this cuisine.
Finally, if you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch to take to work or enjoy at home, pack some spicy chicken tortilla soup into Tupperware containers and keep them cold overnight. This soup reheats perfectly when heated up in the microwave for two to three minutes and can be enjoyed on-the-go without sacrificing any flavor.
No matter how you serve this authentic tortilla soup recipe by Pastor Tom, expect nothing but compliments from your guests.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Pastor Tom’s Tortilla Soup recipe is a perfect dish for make-ahead meals. You can easily store it in the fridge or freezer, and it will taste just as delicious as freshly cooked.
To store the soup, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you plan on keeping it longer, freeze in batches in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Make sure to leave some space on top of the container for the soup to expand during freezing.
When reheating the soup, simply take it out of the fridge or freezer and let it come to room temperature. On a stovetop, heat the soup over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally. In a microwave, place the soup in a microwave-safe dish and heat until hot.
It’s essential that you reheat the soup thoroughly and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. It’s also important to note that if you have any leftover tortilla chips or toppings, keep them separate from the soup when storing and reheating as they can quickly become soggy if mixed together.
Overall, this recipe is perfect for meal prepping and will remain just as delicious even after storing or freezing.
Tips for Perfect Results
As a baker, I’ve learned that sometimes it’s the small things that make all the difference in creating a perfect dish. Here are a few tips to ensure your Pastor Tom’s Tortilla Soup turns out just right:
Firstly, when it comes to the chicken broth, make sure you’re choosing a high-quality option. This is especially important since it’s the foundation of the soup. I like to use homemade chicken broth or stick to trusted brands.
Secondly, don’t be afraid to let the soup simmer for a while to allow all the flavors to meld together. This can make a big difference in bringing out the complexities of the ingredients and making for a more satisfying dining experience.
Thirdly, when adding in the adobo sauce and chipotle chili pepper, adjust according to your own taste preferences. These ingredients can add a spicy kick to the soup, but too much can overpower other flavors. It’s better to start with a little and adjust as required.
Fourthly, using fresh ingredients like cilantro and tomatoes will yield the best results. While canned tomatoes can work in a pinch, fresh alternatives offer a more vibrant flavor profile.
Finally, don’t skimp on toppings like Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips. Not only do they add texture and depth of flavor but also bring visual appeal to the dish. The combination of these toppings with this delicious soup can turn any dull day into a full moon celebration.
By following these tips, you’ll have an authentic tortilla soup with a truly unique flavor profile that would make even Pastor Tom himself proud.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you’re looking to spice up your recipe collection with a flavorful and authentic Mexican soup, Pastor Tom’s Tortilla Soup Recipe is the perfect choice. With its combination of smoky chipotle, hearty chicken, and crisp tortilla strips, this soup is sure to satisfy any craving for spicy comfort food. Plus, with easy substitutions and variations, it’s adaptable to anyone’s taste preferences.
Whether you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine or just looking for a delicious new recipe to try, Pastor Tom’s Tortilla Soup Recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and get ready to indulge in the full-bodied flavors of this delicious soup. Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!
Pastor Tom’s Tortilla Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (14 ounce) can tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 medium onion, cut up
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons snipped cilantro
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 chipotle chile in adobo, and a little
- adobo sauce (to taste)
- tortilla chips, crunched
- monterey jack cheese, shredded
- sour cream
- shredded chicken (optional)
Instructions
- Blend tomatoes, onion, garlic, cilantro and sugar.
- Add blended ingredients to a large pot.
- Add in chicken broth, chipotle pepper and adobe sauce.
- Bring to boil, cover and simmer for 20 minute.
- In individual soup bowls add: tortilla chips, cheese and sour cream.
- Ladle hot soup on top and serve immediatley.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.